SDG 1: No Poverty
Poverty is complex issue that demands a multifaceted approach. Through our academic programs, research endeavors, financial aid initiatives, and community engagement, HKUST seeks to pave the way for lasting change where everyone can access opportunities and a brighter future. Through financial aid initiatives, curriculum and community programs, we aim to foster an environment for students of all backgrounds can develop a deeper understanding of poverty-related challenges and equip them with interdisciplinary skills to address these issues.
Curriculum
36 Poverty related courses were offered in the 2021-22 academic year.
Research
From 2018 to 2022, HKUST published 43 research papers addressing poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.
Community Programmes for Eradicating Poverty
HKUST Connect is a broad-based community education program that deepens student learning, raises civic awareness, and fosters sustainable partnerships with the wider community. With program like Struggle for Survival Poverty Simulation & Service and Street Cleaners and Scavengers Visit, students developed a sense of empathy and compassion towards those living in vulnerable circumstances and were inspired to make an impact on society, fostering a new generation of change makers to contribute towards the global goal of eradicating poverty and creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
October 2022: Struggle for Survival Poverty Simulation & Service
September 2022: Street Cleaners and Scavengers Visit
Support Through Entrepreneurship
Through competitions organized by the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center, students are encouraged to use social innovation to solve topics related to poverty. The HKUST x SOW Asia Social Good Entrepreneurship Case Competition trained students with entrepreneurial skills to address the housing issues faced by those living in subdivided flats and cage homes.
October 2022: HKUST x SOW Asia Social Good Entrepreneurship Case Competition kick-off
HKUST supports the local entrepreneurship ecosystem by providing financial and non-financial support to local. In 2019, we set up a HK$50 million fund to support startups in addition to working closely with industry partners to organise competitions to nurture startups with innovative technologies with high potential bring about social and economic impact. The HKUST-Sino One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition 2022 is a platform for HKUST and surrounding community members to create new businesses and to prepare students to start their future career in entrepreneurship
June 2022: Judges and teams at the final presentation and award ceremony of the HKUST-Sino One Million Dollar Entrepreneurship Competition
Financial Aid & Education Programs
HKUST offers financial aid programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University Financial Assistance (UFA) is available to local students facing financial hardship, with assistance levels determined by their family's financial circumstances, including special provisions for Emergency Financial Assistance. The University also supports students with programmes such as Deferment of Tuition/Hall fees and a Loan Scheme for Off-campus Housing.
To further sustainable finance, the university also holds a special Personal Finance Ambassador Programme in collaboration with Career Sparkle for students to practice managing one's financial resources that balances both personal goals and long-term environmental and social sustainability.